Aria Pro II SB-1000 mk1 (batwing) Rebuild

[AntLockyer]

[quote name='Prostheta' timestamp='1431595751' post='2772877']
In my book, basses like the SB-1000 are the "new vintage" which can be seen with prices going sillier each year.
[/quote]

I'm not so sure. Mine was up for sale for 15 months with only silly offers made.

[bartelby]

[quote name='Norris' timestamp='1431589572' post='2772786']
A straight replacement of the original MB-1 (3-wire)

Edit: Or did you mean Prostheta's "BB" noisekiller circuit? - in which case the one with modern components.
[/quote]

No, which pickup.

[Prostheta]

[quote name='AntLockyer' timestamp='1431596562' post='2772888']
I'm not so sure. Mine was up for sale for 15 months with only silly offers made.
[/quote]

A bit like Greece then.
<edit: or No.10>

Edited May 14, 2015 by Prostheta

[Norris]

[quote name='bartelby' timestamp='1431615543' post='2773263']


No, which pickup.
[/quote]

The MB-1 from Rautia Guitars

Edit: If you mean neck or bridge, the mk1 SB-1000 is single pickup. Later ones had two.

Edited May 14, 2015 by Norris

[bartelby]

[quote name='Norris' timestamp='1431620939' post='2773333']
The MB-1 from Rautia Guitars

Edit: If you mean neck or bridge, the mk1 SB-1000 is single pickup. Later ones had two.
[/quote]

Nope, you were right the first time.
I was asking which model pickup.

For my own restoration project I'm trying to decide whether to go for a MB-II, that my SB Elite has, or a MB-1E...

[Prostheta]

All SB-1000s have been single pickup. The SB-R150 was a two-pickup version, and those are super rare. The 1979 catalogue shows that the RSB-900 was also the same circuit as the SB-1000, but that was single pickup also. Other than the SB-R150 I can't recall any Mat active bass models as being dual pickup (however their guitars are a different thing altogether).

The difference between the MB-I and MB-1E is that the original's coils were all connected internally with only a two-conductor wire and a shield available. The MB-1E was all out in the open FWIW, so you could modify it for series/parallel or coil cut. Hell, since the varitone takes the place of the tone control in active mode for the 80s SB-1000s, a nice fun mod would be to dump in a huge cap onto the half of the tone control corresponding to the active section and use that to dial out one coil as a "semi coil tap". It's more useful on guitar I guess, though.

For all intents and purposes, the MB-1E is factory configured as an MB-I in how it connects to the loom. The only difference is that the connections are made externally in the MB-1E rather than internally. That's the crack isn't it, Pete?

@bartelby - the MB-II has a bit more of a P-bass character than the MB-I/1E, which is essentially a dual Jazz with ceramic mags. Immense output, but depends on which character you prefer. If you like warm, go MB-II. That's my preference, at it turns out.

Edited May 14, 2015 by Prostheta

[bartelby]

[quote name='Prostheta' timestamp='1431624412' post='2773376']
@bartelby - the MB-II has a bit more of a P-bass character than the MB-I/1E, which is essentially a dual Jazz with ceramic mags. Immense output, but depends on which character you prefer. If you like warm, go MB-II. That's my preference, at it turns out.
[/quote]

It's been so long since my Elite's pickup worked properly I can't remember what it sounded like. But judging from the fully functioning coil on the E and A, a MB-II would be sufficient output wise.


I just have to save lots of money for all the work to be done now...

Edited May 14, 2015 by bartelby

[Norris]

And I'll admit my ignorance, as any knowledge I have has been gained in the last couple of weeks since discovering that the pickup had died. And I owe a lot of that to Prostheta - thanks!

[AntLockyer]

1990 to 1994 second series SB1000s were 2 pick up.

Allegedly

Edited May 14, 2015 by AntLockyer

[Bloodaxe]

[quote name='Prostheta' timestamp='1431624412' post='2773376']For all intents and purposes, the MB-1E is factory configured as an MB-I in how it connects to the loom. The only difference is that the connections are made externally in the MB-1E rather than internally. That's the crack isn't it, Pete?[/quote]

I'm afraid I can't confirm or deny Carl. My 1000 dates to April 1979 (according to the latest thinking) which migt help in tracking down whether it's an MB-1 or a 1E. Looking at the mortal remains of the original pickup, it was definitely internally wired up & potted leaving only Red, White & Screen to be used. Two bobbins, 16 poles & two ceramic bar magnets.

I've largely de-potted it using a spectacularly vile solvent (dichloromethane) & this is what's left:




Whilst that's left it in a condition where it could be re-wound faithfully to the original spec, it unfortunately did the casing no favours. Do you know if Rautia would supply an empty case?

P.

[Norris]

You can contact him through his website. He responded to me within 24 hours

[AntLockyer]

[quote name='Prostheta' timestamp='1431624412' post='2773376']
Hell, since the varitone takes the place of the tone control in active mode for the 80s SB-1000s
[/quote]

Been thinking about this. The tone control still works when in active mode though, that's not what you meant is it.

[Prostheta]

Dichloromethane is bad stuff, Pete. I used a hammer. Not sure about a casing. I can't see why not, however I suspect that like myself Veijo will get enclosures made in batches and pot up all the stock as far as you epoxy stretches. He might have spares if he underrun on epoxy or none if he ended up with a free black lump :-)

@AntLockyer - yes, the tone still works in active but is somewhat redundant. It is feasible to re-purpose that gang off the tone pot for other nefarious uses like a semi-coil tap or anything that a 25k linear pot can pull off in that ratsnest.

[Prostheta]

[quote name='AntLockyer' timestamp='1431625932' post='2773402']
1990 to 1994 second series SB1000s were 2 pick up.

Allegedly
[/quote]

If they were, they were SB-1000s in name only. A new model number would have been more honourable.

[bartelby]

I'll have an empty casing once I've got a new pickup. I managed to get the coils/resin out in a block.
If you have no luck else where let me know.
It may be a few months though.

[Prostheta]

Wow! That's quite an achievement. Also it seems, is the fact we've converted Norris' thread into an all-round SB-1000 maintenance love club.

[Norris]

That's ok - it keeps bobbing near the top of the list

[Norris]

The BB circuit has arrived from Prostheta. Just waiting for the pickup now

[Norris]

The pickup has arrived...

[bartelby]

[quote name='Norris' timestamp='1432830875' post='2785434'] The pickup has arrived... [/quote]

I was wondering when it would turn up.

So when do we get to see the finished bass?

[Prostheta]

PHOTOS!!!

[Norris]

Pickup fitted - it lives again! Still got that sweet middly burp.

Full photos and possibly sound samples will follow I promise

[Norris]

[quote name='bartelby' timestamp='1432831180' post='2785439']
I was wondering when it would turn up.
[/quote]

I really need to link a card to my PayPal account. The eCheque took time to clear. Delivery from Rautia Guitars was very good after that

[bartelby]

[quote name='Norris' timestamp='1432843414' post='2785594']
Full photos and possibly sound samples will follow I promise
[/quote]

Still waiting!

[Norris]

I've only just finished tidying the wiring and now really need some daylight to take decent photos. I'm busy tomorrow evening so it's going to be Saturday at the earliest (and then I'm supposed to be fitting the mantelpiece over the fire or Mrs Norris will not be pleased!)

I'll sort them asap